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quintessential

adjective

ˌkwin-tə-ˈsen(t)-shəl How to pronounce quintessential (audio)
Definition of quintessentialnext
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of quintessential Tourists who want to take home a quintessential Bornholm souvenir, or the odd local who needs to replace a broken glass. — Mary Holland, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2026 No, the quintessential Townshend power sign was his giant circular windmill strum, arm outstretched and twirling, gathering centrifugal force to slam that pick up through the guitar strings, creating the loudest chord humanly possible. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 The gorgeous suede and leather Signature Woven Tote and the quintessential fall glove flats. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 4 Sep. 2026 Over time, the fan’s association with flamenco helped turn it into a quintessential Spanish symbol. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
  1. classic
  2. exemplary
  3. perfect
  4. archetypal
  5. definitive
  6. excellent
Adjective
  • The hour captures Strings and his four-piece acoustic band — mandolin, upright bass, banjo and fiddle — in classic picking session formation, with a setlist that also includes selections from 2021’s Renewal.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Remus Repeal Reserve Rye Whiskey is made from the distillery’s classic 95 percent rye grain mashbill, and is a blend of whiskey distilled in 2015 and 2016 that was bottled at 111 proof.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • The District Court of Harris County in Houston handed down the ruling in May 2026, awarding Jacobs a total of $50,105,000, including $40,105,000 in compensatory damages and an additional $10 million in exemplary damages.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Often referred to as the Nobel Prize of the Arts, the Praemium Imperiale recognizes exemplary achievements by artists around the world working in painting, sculpture, architecture, music, and theater and film.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of exemplary
Adjective
  • The pass the Netherlands forward wrapped into Alexander Isak’s feet was perfect.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The Hoosiers have won 17 straight games, the longest active winning streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and are a perfect 16-0 at home under Cignetti.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of perfect
Adjective
  • Jones notes that actual letters found on Ball after his arrest, written to sustain the rebellion’s spirit, appeal to archetypal figures of the working land, including ploughmen like the one Garfield plays.
    — JP Mangalindan, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The archetypical Jersey Guy, to Fallon, is John Cusack in Say Anything.
    — Brendan Menapace, SPIN, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of archetypal
Adjective
  • At the trade deadline, Devon Levi is the Oilers’ definitive starter.
    — Janson Duench, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • For a more definitive result, Virginia Cooperative Extension recommends having a qualified laboratory analyze a sample.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • An individual company can maintain excellent controls and favorable claims experience while still facing higher pricing because the market has deteriorated around it.
    — Randy Sadler, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Food and drink The property’s on-site restaurant serves decent New American fare in a room that offers the same excellent views as the penthouses, or on the hotel’s delightful terrace during the warmer months.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of excellent

Browse Nearby Words

quintessences
quintessential
quintet
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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